From a distance, Great Gable already looked impressive, but descending from Kirk Fell, I very much wondered how a hiking trail could lead me up there.

Earlier, I had met several people who assured me that I wouldn't even have to scramble, but even from close by, I couldn't make out the upper part of the route to the summit plateau and the terrain looked steep. I felt a bit tired already, and it was the middle of the afternoon on a hot day, but nevertheless I decided to start up the clear path on the scree, trusting that the trail would show itself when I got higher.

It did. Above the scree, the route reached a big boulder field, and was marked by cairns. It also was a lot less steep than what it had looked like earlier on. Before I knew it, I reached the summit plateau.

Did a long day with Jake, 5 year old golden retriever, over Great & Green Gables then round and up Scafell Pike before long descent back to Borrowdale. Jake didn't like the rocks on top of Scafell and got very hot - aided by the odd stream we found. But he was so tired at the end, I nearly had to cock his leg for him.

After going way over the top with a series of Ghyll scrambles I emerged onto the shoulder of Grey Crag totally soaked. From here a traverse over Green Gable was made and then a contoured path around the back of Great Gable was followed until we came across the rock playground. The scramble to the summit was a bit OTT and in hindsite I put myself into possitions I shouldn't have.

All in in all having returned home in one peice on a glorious day I couldn't complain.

Route Climbed: Scramble up a gully near the Needle Date Climbed: 30th November 2005

A very nasty day in that visability was down to 100ft,rain and snow did not help, and carrying a rack and rope for a climb that never looked on due to conditions being bad when we left the car,ever the optimist we thought we had a 50/50 chance it would blow over,it didnt!!! Still,it's all about character building on days like that! fine area,better luck next time....

A great day out with an old friend not seen for about 20yrs. Considering he taught Alan Hinkes to climb I guess I've missed out a bit! Done lots of other routes over the years, some scambles from the Needle, others walks from Wasdale and Honistor pass.

Bad weather put an end to our climbing ambitions for the bank holiday weekend (typical!), so we elected to go for a scramble up Great Gable.

Coming from Stickle Tarn we contoured round onto the face and ascended up to Napes Needle which we promptly threaded! All very wet and greasy it wasn't all that pleasurable but still an experience to be savoured. After all on a fine day there would be a queue at this bottle neck, as it was we didnt see a single person on our scramble!

We continued up to the Sphinx where we joined the ridge of the same name taking in some exposed positions. Luckily the rock was drying out a little and progress wasn't difficult. On reaching the end of the ridge we prolonged our enjoyment with a scramble up Westmoreland Crag to the summit.

We descended down to windy gap, crossing Green Gable before desending further to the waiting car!

Start Point/ end Point: NY226135 - Honister Pass. Ascent from the North East via Grey Knotts, Brandreth and green Gable. Descent was to the west, down to Black Sail Hut and then up to the pass known as Scarth Gap. From there over Hay Stacks to Honister Pass.